Best portable collimator for Epic/Scarlet/Red One

[Alexey Milokost]

Hi everyone,
I'm thinking about purchasing a collimator, want to know your opinion what is the best one in quality/price. Price range is around $2000.
I need something portable like Red Focus, to use it on the field.
Please, post your findings about this gear.
I know that on the field you can use a tape with a chart and figure it out, so let's try not to talk about alternatives, but only about collimation devices.
Please, write what you like and dislike with the ones you've worked.
Thanks for your input!

 

[Jack Mosor]

Hi I'm using Denz collimator, not cheap but works great, real time saver. Check with Pure4c or gecko-cam.com if they might have used one for sale
www.gecko-cam.com
www.pure4c.de/dynasite.cfm?dsmid=102935

Jack

 

[Alexey Milokost]

thanks Jack, will check!
Did you try other brands? How they compare with Denz?

 

[Brian F Kobylarz]

I'm using something just a bit different in approach from the Denz unit

Century Optics (part of Schneider now) has a unit called a "HD Collimator". Have owned it since it first came out - here is a link:

https://www.schneideroptics.com/ecommerce/CatalogItemDetail.aspx?CID=1098&IID=1069

You can probably save a few $ by negotiating with a dealer...


The RED Focus, Denz & Jacek's Optimator all replace the lens - directly attaching to the PL mount. This allows you to precisely determine the flange alignment to the sensor. Need a shim? The better units will provide an accurate measurement for you. Otherwise, you adjust the back focus by manipulating the on-camera depth positioning.

That should lead to perfect results - if every lens you now use or have access to is collimated correctly itself.
When was the last time that happened?

As I mentioned, the Century HD Collimator is different in it's approach. You keep the lens on the camera and place the collimator at the front end of the lens. Not shown in the photo on the Schneider link above is that a small Maglight is clamped into the collimator. Inside is a test chart that is back-lit by the Maglight. You can now adjust the back focus with the lens you are shooting with.

It is fast and very easy to use . From the starting line, no lens change out - I do not need to worry about exposing the sensor to the environment I'm shooting in.
Since it fits on the front of the lens, I am not restricted to checking only PL mounts. It is lens manufacturer agnostic: if I switch out the PL mount to a Canon, I can still check back focus with an EF lens. A RPP fits right into one of the steps (largest front diameter it will handle is about 120mm).

Is it perfect? No - to begin with, the test chart is a fixed dimension - so different primes will see a different sized target. For an EPIC-X sensor, you fill the frame with the target starting around 30mm so wide lenses like the 18mm don't fill the frame. Then again, you can always digitally zoom as a focus check. Also, you need to physically hold the collimator to the lens while making any adjustments (might be a deal breaker for some).

Does it replace a higher end testing unit like a Denz or Optimator? No - those are fantastic for bench work.

But without any hesitation, it is my preferred tool for location work.